Sex Questions of the Week With Dr. Hutcherson

May 30, 2008

A: Tea-bagging is when you take a man's testicles gently into your mouth. Some men really enjoy this--they like the wet warmth of your mouth, and a few enjoy the feeling of a little suction, as well. Others, however, don't find it all that pleasurable. The testicles are sensitive, and too much pressure can cause pain. Before trying this out, ask your guy if he's into it or wants to give it a shot. And always be careful. As I already said, the testicles are very sensitive, and achieving the right amount of pressure is key. Encourage him to speak up if it becomes uncomfortable.

May 29, 2008

Q: I recently let my guy ejaculate inside of me for the first time. We were both wondering: Is it normal for so much ejaculate to come out of my vagina right after he withdraws? Is there something wrong? Would this have any effect on conceiving?

A: There is nothing wrong with you. It isn't just normal, but common, for the semen to run out of the vagina soon following ejaculation, especially when you sit or stand up afterward. The sperm, however, are on their way up the cervix and into the uterus within seconds of ejaculation. So your odds of getting pregnant are the same regardless of whether a lot or a little semen comes out.

May 28, 2008

Q: I was recently diagnosed with premature ovarian failure (POF). I am not ready to get pregnant, but is there anything I can do to increase my chances of possibly becoming pregnant in the future? Every reproductive endocrinologist that I have called for an appointment won't see me unless I am trying to conceive right now. I'm only 26, and I've always wanted kids! I'm devastated!

A: First you should get another opinion about your diagnosis because premature ovarian failure is rare--it occurs in about one in 250 women before the age of 35. (Ask your gynecologist for a referral to an endocrinologist; with your doctor's assistance, you should be able to secure an appointment with someone who can do the appropriate testing again.) But sadly, true ovarian failure means that the ovaries are no longer functioning, producing estrogen or releasing eggs. Though 5 to 10 percent of women with POF are able to conceive, most will be unable to conceive without egg donation. It's understandable that you're upset about the news--you may want to connect with other women through groups like pofsupport.org.

May 27, 2008

Q: In the past, I have gotten pimples on my labia majora--at least I thought they were pimples. Is that possible, or was it really genital warts? How do I know?

A: My initial instinct is that they were most likely pimples. Genital warts don't tend to come and go frequently, and they don't usually have the appearance of a pimple, either. Your labia majora are covered with oil-secreting glands and hair follicles that, when clogged, do create pimples. Furthermore, if you shave, you may get razor bumps from ingrown hairs, and sometimes infections at the base of the hair follicle may cause a painful bump too. Still, I recommend that you see your gynecologist the next time you find one of these lesions, just for safety's sake. He or she can make a definite diagnosis.

May 26, 2008

Q: I'm 24 and stopped taking the Pill about six months ago. Afterward I had one normal period, but then my cycle changed. It is now about 65 days long! Are these crazy cycles normal after stopping the Pill?

A: It is common for a woman to have irregular periods after she stops taking the Pill. That's because you often do not start ovulating regularly again for several months afterward, which translates into infrequent periods or no period at all. Give it time and your cycle should become more regular. Since it has already been six months in your case, I'd suggest that you give your doctor a call. He or she may want to see you for an exam, just in case. You may also want to take a pregnancy test if you have been sexually active.

This column is for informational purposes only and does not constitute specific medical advice. It is not, and is not intended to be, a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment from your doctor.